By Staff Report
The Holmes County Sheriff’s Office is joining forces with Northwest Florida Health Network and PanCare to bring the Coordinated Opioid Recovery (CORE) Network to the county beginning October 8.
The statewide initiative aims to strengthen community response to the opioid crisis by combining emergency intervention with long-term treatment and recovery support. Sheriff John Tate said the program will allow local first responders to act more quickly during overdose calls while also ensuring individuals receive ongoing help.
“By freeing up our supervisors to act as a rapid-response resource, we are not only saving critical time in emergency situations, but we are also making sure people get connected to the help they need right away,” Tate said. “This partnership gives us the tools to respond on the front lines while also building bridges to long-term recovery.”
As part of the rollout, the Sheriff’s Office is expanding EMS services to include an additional employee dedicated to assisting supervisors. According to the release, the expansion comes at no cost to Holmes County taxpayers thanks to grant funding.
Under the CORE model, supervisors will continue providing immediate support during overdose incidents, but they will also connect patients and families directly with counseling, treatment, and recovery programs through PanCare and other partner agencies. The goal is to reduce repeat overdoses and build stronger recovery pathways.
Sheriff Tate emphasized that the issue hits close to home. “The opioid epidemic has touched families across Florida, including right here in Holmes County,” he said. “We are committed to working hand-in-hand with our community partners to save lives, support families, and create a safer, healthier future for our county.”
The CORE Network reflects a shift toward collaboration between law enforcement, healthcare providers, and community organizations. By pooling resources, the program aims not only to respond in crisis moments but also to address the root causes of substance use disorder.
